Raiders NFL Draft Prospect: CB Arquon Bush, Cincinnati
The 2023 NFL Draft is loaded with players who can turn a defense around, but with so many big names taking most of the spotlight, some will slip between the cracks and surprise many people during the regular season.
There is no bigger pressure than turning this defense around in one season, but as challenging as it seems, Raiders General Manager Dave Ziegler seems to have a plan, or it might be his last season in Las Vegas.
Fortunately, the draft will allow Ziegler to select a few players in the later rounds who can eventually contribute and make a difference on defense.
This offseason, we'll be working alongside SI’s Draft Bible to get you the latest information on any potential players the Raiders may consider drafting, including some that might fall to day three of the 2023 NFL Draft.
“We’re going to continue to find players who fit what we look for, and continue to build this team in our vision, and I think we’re going to, at the same time, our goal is to win football games, and our goal for next year is to make an improvement over where we were this year,” said Ziegler.
Cornerback Arquon Bush, Cincinnati Bearcats
Cincinnati cornerback Arquon Bush is perhaps one of the most experienced cornerbacks entering the draft. He was a five-year contributor to the Bearcats, appearing in 49 games and starting for two AAC Championship teams.
Bush began his college career playing inside the slot but transitioned to play an outside cornerback position last season after the departure of key players who led the Bearcats to the College Football Playoffs.
The 6-foot, 198-pound cornerback has been a reliable piece on the Bearcats' defense and is now looking to bring his talents to the NFL and join some of its peers that had success in college.
During his senior season, Bush played in 13 games, totaling 34 tackles (27 solos), one forced fumble, and two interceptions.
Bush finished his career with nine interceptions and 32 pass breakups.
Before declaring to the NFL, he was named an All-AAC Honorable Mention.
Bush was recently invited to participate in the NFL Combine, where he hopes he can raise his draft stock and show scouts that he can hold his weight.
As for the Raiders, selecting Bush in the seventh round makes sense. There are some flaws in his Football IQ, and decision-making, but that can be coached and corrected.
Bush comes out as a player that can contribute on special teams while he develops and works his way onto the defense.
The NFL Draft will occur at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo., from Thursday, April 27 to Saturday, April 29. ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network will broadcast all seven rounds.
The NFL Scouting Combine is Feb. 28-March 6, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. March 7, 2023, before 4 p.m. EST, is the club's deadline to designate Franchise or Transition Players.
March 13-15 is the free agent negotiation period. Starting at 12 p.m. EDT on March 13 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m. EDT on March 15, clubs are permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2022 Player Contracts at 4 p.m. EDT on March 15.
The 2023 NFL Year and Free Agency period begins at 4 p.m. EDT on March 15. The Raiders are expected to be significant players in the free-agent market this season.
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